Police searching for a missing mum from Cumbernauld have been seen combing through a wooded area of the town.
Karen Stevenson hasn't been seen for over ten days since disappearing from her home on Lairds Hill in Seafar sometime after midnight on February 19.
The 42-year-old walked towards the town centre and was picked up on CCTV in a lift at the shopping centre around 2.44am.
She then walked towards Muirfield Community Centre, near Brown Road and Fleming Road, and was there at around 2.55am.
Karen hasn’t been in touch since then - and despite extensive police enquiries, she has still not been found.
On Tuesday evening cops were seen searching the wooded area around Allanfauld Road in Cumbernauld.
Police Scotland confirmed their presence was in relation to the search for Karen, reports the Daily Record.
Units were also spotted near Karen's home in Seafar, walking from Fleming Road to Lennox Road.
On Saturday, officers spoke with locals in Cumbernauld, with 53 cars and 20 pedestrians stopped in and around Fleming Road between 1am and 4am in the hope it would jog people’s memories.
In a statement released today, her family said: “This is completely unusual for Karen and she has never been missing before.
“The whole family are really worried and would like Karen to get in contact with anybody to let us know she is safe.
“If anyone has any information at all then please contact the police as soon as you can."
Inspector Susan Rae, of Cumbernauld Police Station, said: “Extensive searches and enquiries have been carried out throughout the local area in an effort to trace Karen.
“These are continuing and we've been assisted by resources including specialist search advisors, and the dog unit. Officers have also been carrying out house to house enquiries and checking CCTV.
“I know our concern is shared by locals, and I would continue to urge anyone who thinks they may have seen Karen to get in touch as soon as possible. Any information, no matter how small, could help find her.
“If you have seen Karen since Sat 19 February, or have any information that may be relevant to our investigation please call 101 with reference 3369 of 19 February.”
Karen is described as 5ft 1in, of slim build, with long brown hair.
She was wearing a purple parker-style jacket with a black fur-lined hood, a cream long sleeve t-shirt, black leggings, and black ankle boots.
She also may be carrying a small pink handbag decorated with metal studs and with a chain strap.
Police say she always stays close to home and has never been missing before.
Sergeant Greig McKail added: “As time passes we’re growing extremely concerned for her safety and wellbeing. I know our concern is shared by locals, and I would continue to urge anyone who thinks they may have seen her to get in touch as soon as possible.
“Any information, no matter how small, could help find her.
“Karen, if you read this appeal, please contact your family or the police so we know you are safe and well.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland on 101.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give your information anonymously.
